New Missouri Trail May Provide Link with Flint Hills Nature Trail

MoBikeFed News reports that in late July, “the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, working together with Mo Rock Island Trail Coalition, Missouri State Parks, the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation, and private partners, submitted a bid to purchase an out-of-service rail corridor which stretches 211 miles between Kansas City and Beaufort, Missouri. The trail would be on the opposite side of the Missouri River from the famous Katy Trail and run through some beautiful territory. The new trail will cross the Katy Trail, creating the opportunity for a 350+ mile trail loop across Missouri — plus connect directly into the St Louis regional trail system, the Kansas City regional trail system, and potentially the Flint Hills Nature Trail in Kansas.” A petition containing 11,000 names was submitted in support of the trail, to Ameren, which owns the unused rail line. A decision by the company will be made in the next few weeks.

Landon Trail Connection Finally a Reality

Bill Lucero with the Kaw Valley Bike Club reports that Shawnee County Parks and Recreation has completed laying crushed limestone on the previously unfinished link on the Landon Trail between SE 45th St. & SE 51th St. in southeast Topeka (.75 miles). Cyclists can now freely travel 11.7 miles from 15th and Monroe St. to Tecumseh Rd. A trail dedication ceremony will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 10:15 am at SE 45th St. and Topeka Blvd.

Coronado Heights to Be Restored to Original Glory

Coronado Heights, a Kansas Landmark, near Lindsborg is going to be restored to its original glory if Kansans provide sufficient donations. The Spanish-style buildings, including the castle on the hill overlooking the Dakota Range of the Smoky Hills and the Smoky Valley, were built in 1936 as a WPA project. Now, they are need of restoration and the access road needs to be repaved. According to an article in the Wichita Eagle (8-17-14):

“Generations of Kansans have picnicked, flown kites, climbed, viewed the stars and waved into cameras at this scenic location.”

There are three miles of mountain bike trails which wind around the hill. It has also been proposed to build a recreational trail from Lindsborg to the historic landmark. As an aside, new evidence indicates that Coronado never made it to Coronado Heights, but only to Little River.

Donations to the Coronado Heights Park renovations can be made online by going to www.lindsborghistory.org, or checks can be made out to SVHA and sent to SVHA, P.O. Box 255, Lindsborg, KS 67456.

Restored “Home on Range” Cabin Re-dedication Celebration Oct. 4-5

Make plans to celebrate the re-dedication of the restored “Home on the Range” cabin on October 4th-5th! Here is the schedule of events: Home on Range Cabin

Dr. Brewster Higley who wrote the lyrics to the Sunflower State’s song, lived in the cabin after writing the song in a dugout on the homestead site. A new nature trail is now open on the peaceful prairie surrounding the cabin.

Jayhawk Trail in KU’s Master Plan

KU’s new 10-year Master Plan calls for a Jayhawk Trail to be built on Mt. Oread.

“The proposed Jayhawk Trail would be a corridor for bikers and pedestrians stretching from the north end of campus into West Campus. The trail would wind through historic districts, open spaces and other popular sites, cutting diagonally across campus and knitting all three campus districts together. Officials hope it will boost pedestrian access and enhance traffic flow.” (Lawrence Journal-World 8-24-14).

The trail would also extend the City’s existing Heatherwood Trail north to the recreational path along 15th St.

Sunflower Foundation Awards Eight Trail Grants

City of Lawrence: A popular footpath along the Kansas River in Douglas County will soon be much more accessible thanks to this community-driven project. The city plans to open the new 10-foot wide, ADA-friendly trail by spring of 2015. The improved trail — located in Lawrence’s Burcham Park — will connect several existing trails, including the a recently completed Better Outside for a Better Inside Trail.

Riley County: The Riley County Parks Department is creating new green space for the people of Manhattan to enjoy. A new ½-mile trail in Fairmont Park will connect with a planned outdoor activity center, and will eventually tie into a proposed nature trail along the river.

City of Paola: This seven-mile trail will encircle Lake Miola just outside of town. The project is part of the “Paola Pathways” initiative, a grassroots effort to make this Miami County community more liveable and walkable.